CHECK-UP:While medications can help to reduce allergic symptoms there is no cure for latex allergy, writes MARION KERR
MY THREE year old has developed an allergy to latex. What is this?
Latex is produced from a milky fluid obtained from rubber trees. Some people can develop an allergic reaction to proteins found in natural latex, with the type and severity of reaction varying from person to person.
While some may experience a runny nose, sneezing, cough, rashes/hives, or itchy and watering eyes, others can have a more severe reaction such as difficulty breathing and wheezing. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock, a serious and life- threatening reaction, may occur. Other reactions to latex include irritant contact dermatitis – where dry, irritated areas of skin occur, typically on the hand. This is not really an allergic reaction but rather an irritation from wearing latex gloves or a reaction to the powder often found inside them.
Allergic contact dermatitis may also occur as a reaction to chemicals added to latex in the manufacturing process. Latex proteins can attach to the powder used inside some latex gloves. When the gloves are removed the powder and protein particles become air borne and can be inhaled, causing an allergic reaction.
My daughter, who has spina bifida, is in and out of hospital on a regular basis. Could this have anything to do with her developing the allergy?
Latex is commonly found in a variety of products in healthcare settings, including gloves, blood-pressure cuffs, syringes, surgical masks and intravenous tubing. Although we do not know why some people develop allergies and other don’t, we do know that some individuals are at higher risk of developing an allergic reaction to latex. Children with spina bifida seem to be at particular risk, most probably as a result of early and frequent healthcare interventions. Healthcare workers and those in regular contact with latex products are also at a higher risk of reacting to latex.
While medications can help reduce allergic symptoms there is no cure for latex allergy. For severe reactions an injection of adrenaline may be needed and the person should carry emergency medication just in case. You can help prevent an allergic reaction by reducing exposure to latex products and by using alternatives such as synthetic gloves.